Timberland released its first fully circular shoe and has expanded its take-back program.
The brand’s Trekker City Hiker is a circular shoe with an outsole that can be removed and disassembled for recycling at its take-back facility. It also features a removable inner bootie made of 100 percent recycled plastic fabric integrated into the shoe through its lacing system for ease of disassembly and recycling.
“We always have, and always will create high quality, durable products that stand the test of time. Beyond that lens, we’ve added a focus on eco-innovation that’s a natural progression in how we approach product design,” said Chris McGrath, vice president, global footwear design, Timberland. “Timberland has been using recycled materials in footwear for years, but the design of the new Timberloop Trekker puts us on the path to true circularity where nothing goes to waste.”
Timed with the shoe’s releases, Timberland’s take-back program expanded outside the U.S. into the UK, Germany, France, and Italy. APAC will follow shortly. Through the program, consumers can return worn Timberland footwear, clothing or accessories to the company, where products are disassembled and recycled/upcycled into new products or repaired/refurbished for resale.
Timed with the announcement, Timberland’s resale website went live in the U.S., where consumers can purchase repaired or refurbished Timberland products through its Timberloop program.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure that every touchpoint, from the product take-back boxes in our retail stores to the new Timberloop resale website, makes it easy for consumers to participate in the Timberloop program,” said Susie Mulder, global brand president, Timberland. “I’m excited to expand the program to select European markets today and look forward to even more consumers joining in our effort to ‘close the loop’ – reducing waste, keeping products in circulation for as long as global possible and supporting our vision for a greener future.”
Photo courtesy Timberland
